Gowns, masks, armor galore: L.A. Opera to hold costume sale

The L.A. Opera's costume shop, pictured in 2013 during the tailoring of outfits for "The Magic Flute," is moving -- so an estimated 1,000 costumes are being put up for sale.

The L.A. Opera's costume shop, pictured in 2013 during the tailoring of outfits for "The Magic Flute," is moving -- so an estimated 1,000 costumes are being put up for sale. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The shop is moving locations and cleaning house. More than 1,000 costumes worn on the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage by the likes of Plácido Domingo and Frederica von Stade will fill about 90 clothing racks in a downtown L.A. parking lot.

Think late 19th century bustles and flouncy panniers; handmade shoes and masks; military garb and gladiator gear; period wigs and accessories. The items for sale are from productions such as “Cinderella,” "Aida," “The Grand Duchess,” “Lucia di Lammermoor” and “The Turn of the Screw.” Prices start at $25 for complete costumes and $2 for individual pieces.

A special “diva rack” will have the high-end items, $1,000 to $5,000, worn by stars such as Jennifer Larmore, Kiri Te Kanawa, Bryn Terfel and Deborah Voigt.

The sale will take place 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 330 S. Alameda St.